Curry 'could help' target Alzheimer's
Tuesday, 17 Jul 2007 17:42
Spices used in curries could have health benefits
Science In Focus
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Scientists believe they have pinpointed the part of an ingredient used in many curries which is believed to target Alzheimer's disease.
Earlier research has suggested that the chemical curcumin, which is found in the spice turmeric, helps the immune system to clear the amyloid beta that form the plaques found in the degenerative disease.
A new study published today has found that bisdemethoxycurcumin, a natural substance found in turmeric root, is likely to be responsible for this clearing process.
US researchers studied blood samples from Alzheimer's disease patients and discovered that bisdemethoxycurcumin boosted immune cells called macrophages to clear amyloid beta.
Writing in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers also claim to have found the immune genes linked to this activity.
It is hoped that by providing a new insight into Alzheimer's disease, the study points towards a new treatment approach.
The researchers believe it may be possible to test a patient's blood in order to individualise treatment.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, which affects about 700,000 people in the UK.